July 2, 2008 Missoula to Avon, MT 99 miles (100)
Today’s ride was spectacular by any standard! Looking outside, after waking up, caused some initial concerns; low clouds, spotty drizzle, and an uncertain weather forecast. We all packed our rain gear expecting the worst.
While a few of the first riders out encountered some rain, the majority of us were blessed with cool temperatures (63 to 80 degrees), partly cloudy skies, and minimal winds. The scenery got better and better, each vista was better than the last.

We are now in the Rockies and will cross the continental divide tomorrow – the highest point on our ride at 6,350 feet. The Rockies in this region are not the Rockies of Colorado. High and rounded, they remind me more of the Appalachians out east, only higher. There are not the high, stark peaks with snow on them year round that are present in Colorado but this area is just beautiful.

57 miles on SR-200 had some traffic but once we turned on to SR-141 the traffic count dropped and the road surface became the best we’ve been on so far. 200 followed the Blackfoot River which was brown with sediment from recent rains. It looked like chocolate milk. 141 snaked its way through the high plains with the Garnet Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east.

Our campground is three miles outside the town of Avon, home to a small café renowned for its great pies. Many riders, myself included, couldn’t resist checking to see if the reputation would stand up. We can all attest to the high quality pies baked by the café’s owner, Sue. My large piece of blueberry pie was delectable!